Learning Cat

Those Ears! How to Resist the Nibble (and Why You Should!)

by · July 29, 2024

Ever looked at your furry housemate, their ears all twitchy and soft, and thought… “Are those gummy snacks?” Don’t worry, you’re not alone. We’ve all been there. Those pointy, velvety triangles can be seriously tempting, right? But before you go in for a taste, let’s have a little chat about those tempting ears.

Why We Shouldn’t Nibble (Even Though We Really, Really Want To)

Look, I get it. Their ears are right there. Adorable, tempting, practically begging for a little nibble. But here’s the thing:

  • It hurts! Your cat’s ears are sensitive. Imagine someone chomping on your ear. Not fun, right?
  • No trust, no love. You nibble on those ears, you’re gonna break the bond. Cats remember. They hold grudges. Choose cuddles, not chomps.
  • Germs, dude. Think about what those little paws walk through. Litter box, dusty corners, who knows what else. Do you really want that in your mouth?

Redirect That Energy!

So, how do we deal with this ear-nibbling urge? We gotta redirect, my friend. Think of it like this:

Instead of: Ear nom. Try this: Ear scritches.

See? Same energy, different outcome. Here are some other ways to channel that urge:

  • Chin Scratches: Most cats LOVE a good chin scratch. It’s like a magic button for purrs.
  • Cheek Rubs: Gently rub your cheek against theirs. It’s a cat way of saying, “You’re cool, buddy.”
  • Playtime! A tired kitty is less likely to be nibbled on. Get that laser pointer out or drag a string around.

But What If It’s Too Late? (Damage Control for Accidental Nibblers)

Okay, so you got caught in the moment. It happens. Here’s how to handle a nibble-gone-wrong:

  • Apologize Immediately: No, seriously. Cats understand tone. Use a soft, apologetic voice.
  • Space: Give them some space. Let them calm down and realize you’re not a giant ear-eating monster.
  • Treats? Maybe: If your cat is open to it, a little treat can go a long way in mending fences.

Remember: Ears Are for Petting, Not for Eating

At the end of the day, it’s all about respect, right? We love our feline overlords, and part of that love is respecting their boundaries. So next time you’re feeling the urge to nibble those adorable ears, take a deep breath, redirect that energy, and give them some love in a way they’ll appreciate – with scratches, play, and maybe even a treat or two.

Now go forth and be the best, most ear-respecting cat parent you can be!

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